$4M earmarked for American Memorial Park improvements
A total of $4 million were appropriated by the Legislature for the construction of a visitor center, memorial garden and upgrading of the amphitheater inside the American Memorial Park.
House Bill No. 12-288 or the American Memorial Park Projects Appropriations Act of 2000, is expected to improve the state of the Federal Cemetery as well as provide additional activities to the Commonwealth’s tourist and resident community.
The approved bill will draw funds from three sources.
A total of $1 million will be from unexpected balance of funds from Third Senatorial District Projects approved in Section 5(D)(3) of Public Law 11-119. While another $1 million will be sourced from the Covenant 702 CIP. Finally, $2 million will come in the form of CDA Loan from MPLT as authorized Pursuant to Public Law 11-72.
The Legislature has already broken-down expected cost for enhancements to the American Memorial Park. Construction of the American Memorial Park Visitor/Cultural Center has been targeted at $1,305,200. $514,000 has been appropriated for the building of the American Memorial Park Marianas Memorial Garden.
The remodeling and upgrading of the amphitheater, on the other hand, is expected to cost $1,310,800. While, the price for putting up an exhibit design and construction for visitor center has been pegged at $870,000.
Under the bill, the Secretary of Public Works will be in charge of dispensing funds for the project. The audit power granted to the federal comptroller and the Public Auditor, under the Planning and Budget Act of 1983, as amended, shall also be enforced. While, the Secretary of Finance has been assigned to create separate accounting for the CIP projects covered by the Act.
The original version of HB 12-202 requested appropriation for the building of a track and field and the breakwater at the Outer Cove Marina. But the two projects were shelved, due to lack of available funding.
